Storage canister with multiple storage device mounting elements

ABSTRACT

A storage canister is provided. The storage canister in one example includes an enclosure, multiple Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) located within the enclosure, a plurality of mounting elements configured to receive the multiple HDDs, wherein each mounting element of the plurality of mounting elements is configured to receive a HDD, a plurality of suspension elements supporting the plurality of mounting elements, with each suspension element of the plurality of suspension elements supporting and providing vibration isolation to a corresponding HDD of the multiple HDDs, and an external connector configured to be externally accessible, with the external connector being electrically coupled to the plurality of mounting elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Aspects of the disclosure are related to the field of data storagesystems, and in particular, to a storage canister for use in a massstorage system.

Description of the Related Art

Mass storage systems are used for storing enormous quantities of digitaldata. As computer systems and networks grow in numbers and capability,there is a need for more and more storage system capacity. Cloudcomputing and large-scale data processing have further increase the needfor digital data storage systems that are capable of transferring andholding immense amounts of data.

Mass storage systems are typically formed from a number of mass storagedevices. The mass storage devices comprise very high capacity storagedevices and may be themselves formed of multiple sub-units, sometimesreferred to as sleds. A sled is a modular unit that can be added to orremoved from a mass storage system. A mass storage system includes arack or other receiving system that can receive a number of sleds. Byforming a mass storage system using a number of sleds, any desiredstorage capacity can be attained.

A canister is a modular unit that can be added to or removed from asled. A number of canisters can be held in a sled. Each canister canhold and operate one or more Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). The HDDs are heldand operated in close proximity within a canister, so that as many HDDsas possible can be received in the defined volume of the canister.Consequently, the storage capacity of the sled can be increased inincrements by the installation of an additional canister or canisters.

Efficiency is a prime consideration in a mass storage system. A smallinefficiency in the HDDs used in a mass storage system can result in asignificant increase in electrical power consumption for the massstorage system as a whole.

Another consideration is vibration. Each HDD used in the mass storagesystem may create vibrations during operation. Vibrations generated byone HDD can negatively affect other HDDs in the system. Further, wherethe mass storage rack and sub-structures create a rigid link betweencomponents or sub-components, then vibrations can be transmitted betweenthe components or sub-components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A storage canister is provided. The storage canister in one exampleincludes an enclosure, multiple Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) located withinthe enclosure, a plurality of mounting elements configured to receivethe multiple HDDs, wherein each mounting element of the plurality ofmounting elements is configured to receive a HDD, a plurality ofsuspension elements supporting the plurality of mounting elements, witheach suspension element of the plurality of suspension elementssupporting and providing vibration isolation to a corresponding HDD ofthe multiple HDDs, and an external connector configured to be externallyaccessible, with the external connector being electrically coupled tothe plurality of mounting elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary sealed storage canister in one example.

FIG. 2 shows multiple sealed storage canisters installed in an exemplarymass storage sled.

FIG. 3 shows detail of the mass storage sled.

FIG. 4 shows the sealed storage canister in another example.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary storage canister in another example.

FIG. 6 shows detail of the multiple mounting elements of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a first mounting element coupled to an external connector.

FIG. 8 shows a mounting element receiving a HDD.

FIG. 9 shows a partially-assembled storage canister.

FIG. 10 shows a HDD installed on its side on a mounting element.

FIG. 11 shows a HDD having an end connector, but where the HDD isinstalled flat on the mounting element.

FIG. 12 shows a HDD installed flat on a mounting element, where the HDDextends out off the side of the mounting element.

FIG. 13 shows the sealed storage canister in another example.

FIG. 14 shows internal detail of the sealed storage canister of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary sealed storage canister in yet anotherexample.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description and associated drawings teach the best mode ofthe invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, someconventional aspects of the best mode may be simplified or omitted. Thefollowing claims specify the scope of the invention. Some aspects of thebest mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified bythe claims. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate variationsfrom the best mode that fall within the scope of the invention. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below canbe combined in various ways to form multiple variations of theinvention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specificexamples described below, but only by claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary sealed storage canister 100 in one example.The sealed storage canister 100 includes a sealed enclosure 110,multiple unsealed Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) 120 located inside the sealedenclosure 110, at least one mounting element 130 receiving the multipleunsealed HDDs 120, an external connector 160 electrically coupled to theat least one mounting element 130 by a cable or feed-through 157, and asuspension element 133.

The sealed storage canister 100 can be used in a mass storage system,for example. The sealed storage canister 100 can include mountingfeatures that enable the sealed storage canister 100 to be installedinto and held in place in a rack, bay, or other receptacle of a massstorage system. The sealed storage canister 100 can be easily andefficiently added to, or removed from, a mass storage system. The sealedstorage canister 100 can provide a large quantity of storage capacity tothe mass storage system.

The multiple unsealed HDDs 120 comprise multiple digital storagedevices, each including one or more rotating disks, with the diskscomprising one or more of a magnetic medium, an optical medium, or othersuitable disk storage medium for storing digital data. Therefore, insome examples, the multiple HDDs 220 comprise one or more disk storagemedia. In other examples, the multiple unsealed HDDs 120 comprisesolid-state storage devices or comprise hybrid storage devices includingone or more disk media and one or more solid-state storage components.However, the storage devices 120 or 220 will be referred to herein asunsealed HDDs 120 or HDDs 220 for simplicity. The unsealed HDDs 120 andHDDs 220 comprise non-volatile storage devices.

The multiple unsealed HDDs 120 are unsealed, wherein air or gas withinthe sealed enclosure 110 can enter and leave individual unsealed HDDs120 (see arrows). By using unsealed HDDs 120 and a sealed enclosure 110,the sealed storage canister 100 can provide the advantages ofindividually sealed HDDs. The sealed storage canister 100 can providethe advantages of individually sealed HDDs, for a large number of HDDs.The sealed storage canister 100 can provide the advantages ofindividually sealed HDDs, but without the cost and drawbacks of usingindividually-sealed HDDs.

HDDs include a spinning disk that is typically rotated at a speed ofthousands or tens of thousands of revolutions per minute (RPM). A readhead is moved inward or outward from the center of the spinning disk inorder to read and write data on the disk. These moving components cangenerate vibrations in the HDD. In addition, turbulence in the air orgas within the HDD due to the spinning disk can create vibrations in theouter portions of the disk. When a number of HDDs are included within acanister, which typically includes rigid structural members, thevibrations generated by one HDD can be transferred to other HDDs withinthe canister. The transferred vibrations can interfere with operationsof the affected HDD or HDDs. The transferred vibrations can disrupt orblock the read and write operations in an affected HDD. The transferredvibrations can combine with local vibrations already produced by theaffected HDD to produce stronger and more disruptive vibrations thanwhere the affected HDD is operating in isolation. The transferredvibrations can cause increase wear and breakage in components of theaffected HDD.

Hermetically sealing a particular gas inside a HDD provides benefits.For example, corrosion resistance can be improved by preventing moisturefrom entering the HDD. Sealing helium (or other small-molecule gas)inside a HDD reduces air resistance, reduces air turbulence andtherefore reduces flow-induced vibration of internal components, and asa result reduces power consumption of a drive motor that rotates thedisk or disks of the HDD. However, using individually-sealed HDDs in amass storage system adds cost and introduces risks associated with newproduct development.

The sealed enclosure 110 in some examples comprises a shell 108 and abottom panel 112 that is sealingly affixed to the shell 108 to form thesealed enclosure 110 (see FIGS. 4, 9, and 13). The sealed enclosure 110comprises a substantially airtight or substantially gas tight enclosure.A predetermined gas or gas mixture is contained within the sealedenclosure 110. The predetermined gas or gas mixture sealed within thesealed enclosure 110 cannot escape and outside air cannot penetrate intothe sealed enclosure 110. In some examples, the sealed enclosure 110 iscoupled to a helium reserve (not shown) via a conduit. The heliumreserve ensures that helium is maintained in the sealed enclosure 110even where some leakage of helium from the sealed enclosure 110 occursover time.

By placing the HDDs in the sealed enclosure 110, the individual HDDs canbe hermetically sealed, but without the need for individually sealingeach individual HDD. Sealing individual HDDs in a group within anexternal enclosure reduces the cost of the sealed storage canister 100.Also, by decoupling the seal design from a HDD design, it can provide analternative with a lower development risk. Further, the use of a sealedenclosure reduces a rejection rate of HDDs, as the individual HDDs canbe reclaimed if the sealed enclosure is defective, wherein a replacementsealed enclosure is simpler and cheaper to provide than replacingindividual HDDs.

The predetermined gas or gas mixture sealed within the sealed enclosure110 can reduce or eliminate moisture within the sealed enclosure 110,and therefore within the multiple unsealed HDDs 120. The predeterminedgas or gas mixture reduces or eliminates corrosion and/or oxidization,including corrosion and/or oxidization of a disk or disks of themultiple unsealed HDDs 120. Where the predetermined gas or gas mixturesealed within the sealed enclosure 110 is at a reduced pressure, thepredetermined gas or gas mixture can reduce rotational air resistanceand air turbulence of a spinning disk or disks of the multiple unsealedHDDs 120. Where the predetermined gas or gas mixture comprises helium(or other gas or gas mixture having molecules smaller than airmolecules), the gas can reduce rotational air resistance and turbulenceof a spinning disk or disks of the multiple unsealed HDDs 120.

The predetermined gas or gas mixture sealed within the sealed enclosure110 in some examples comprises dry air, nitrogen, or helium. However,the predetermined gas or gas mixture can comprise any suitable gas orgas mixture.

The predetermined gas or gas mixture sealed within the sealed enclosure110 in some examples comprises gas at a pressure lower than atmosphericpressure. Alternatively, the predetermined gas or gas mixture comprisesgas at an ambient pressure or higher than ambient pressure in otherexamples.

In some examples, the predetermined gas or gas mixture inside the sealedenclosure 110 can move by convection. Alternatively, or in addition, oneor more fans can move and circulate the predetermined gas or gas mixtureinside the sealed enclosure 110. In some examples, a heat pipe (notshown) can be included as part of the sealed enclosure 110. The heatpipe can include a heat exchanger in some examples. The heat pipe caninclude a heat exchanger and a cooling fluid. The heat pipe can includea heat exchanger, a cooling fluid, and a fluid pump.

The at least one mounting element 130 includes connectors for receivingthe multiple unsealed HDDs 120 (see FIG. 4). The at least one mountingelement 130 includes HDD connectors 138 for mechanically andelectrically coupling the multiple unsealed HDDs 120 to the at least onemounting element 130, and holding the multiple unsealed HDDs 120 inposition inside the sealed enclosure 110. The at least one mountingelement 130 absorbs vibrations generated by the multiple unsealed HDDs120. The at least one mounting element 130 includes the multiple HDDconnectors 138 for providing electrical power to the multiple unsealedHDDs 120. The at least one mounting element 130 includes the multipleHDD connectors 138 for exchanging electrical signals with the multipleunsealed HDDs 120. The electrical signals can include digital data thatis being written to and read from one or more HDDs of the multipleunsealed HDDs 120. Alternatively, the electrical connection andmechanical mounting functions are implemented separately. For example, apair of soft and highly damped sheets or panels in some examples areused to sandwich the multiple unsealed HDDs 120 between the bottom panel112 and the enclosure lid 113, wherein cables are used to makeelectrical connections between the multiple unsealed HDDs 120 and theexternal connector 160. It is also possible to use the same cables as afeed-through, where epoxy or other suitable potting material or fillermaterial fills gaps between cables at the feed-through point.

In some examples, the at least one mounting element 130 comprises asingle board element that receives all of the multiple unsealed HDDs120. In other examples, the at least one mounting element 130 comprisesmultiple board elements, including individual board elements for eachunsealed HDD 120 (see FIGS. 5 and 15, for example).

The external connector 160 is accessible at the exterior of the sealedenclosure 110. The external connector 160 does not allow air or gas toenter the sealed enclosure 110 or escape from the sealed enclosure 110.The external connector 160 receives electrical power from an externalpower source and provides electrical power to the at least one mountingelement 130, and therefore to the multiple unsealed HDDs 120. Theexternal connector 160 exchanges electrical signals with one or moreexternal devices or components and exchanges electrical signals with theat least one mounting element 130, and therefore with the multipleunsealed HDDs 120.

The external connector 160 in some examples is electrically coupled tothe at least one mounting element 130 via a cable 157 or a feed-through255 (see FIG. 7). The feed-through 255 is sealingly installed in anaperture in the enclosure in some examples and passes a plurality ofconductors 254 through a feed-through body 252. The feed-through body252 sealingly engages an aperture in the sealed enclosure 110, such asan aperture in a bottom panel 112. Although the feed-through 255 isshown for the multiple mounting element example of FIG. 7, it should beunderstood that the feed-through 255 can be employed in any of theexamples of the sealed enclosure 110, in addition to the examples of theenclosure 210. Although a single feed-through 255 is shown, it should beunderstood that multiple feed-throughs 255 can be employed, such as fornoise reduction or for easier routing of signals.

The feed-through body 252 is formed of an electrically non-conductivematerial. The feed-through body 252 in some examples is formed of glass,plastic, ceramic, potting material, or any other suitable non-conductivematerial. Alternatively, or in addition, the feed-through 255 cantransfer electrical signals through the sealed enclosure 110 usinginduction, electromagnetic waves, optical devices, or any other suitablesignal transmission method or device.

The suspension element 133 in some examples is directly affixed to aninner surface or surfaces of the sealed enclosure 110, such as to abottom panel 112. Alternatively, in other examples, the suspensionelement 133 includes one or more suspension components interposedbetween the mounting element 130 and an inner surface or surfaces of thesealed enclosure 110, wherein the one or more suspension componentsabsorb shocks and vibrations. Alternatively, in yet another embodiment,each individual unsealed HDD 120 is received by a separate mountingelement 130, with each separate mounting element 130 including acorresponding suspension element 133.

Individual unsealed HDDs 120 can be cooled by the predetermined gas orgas mixture circulating within the sealed enclosure 110. The circulatingcan occur due to convection. The circulating can occur due to a fan orother air-moving device being included within the sealed enclosure 110.In addition, where the sealed storage canister 100 is used within a massstorage sled, the sealed storage canister 100 can be cooled by airmoving around the exterior of the sealed enclosure 110. Further, theexterior of the sealed enclosure 110 can include fins or otherheat-exchange features in some examples for removing heat from thesealed storage canister 100.

FIG. 2 shows multiple sealed storage canisters 100 installed in anexemplary mass storage sled 90. The mass storage sled 90 in the exampleincludes a sled tray 99 configured to receive multiple sealed storagecanisters 100. The external connector 160 of each installed sealedstorage canister 100 couples to a corresponding canister connector 91.The canister connectors 91 are located in a sled head 98 affixed to thesled tray 99 in some examples. The sled head 98 further includes a sledexternal connector 92, wherein the multiple canister connectors 91 areall coupled to the sled external connector 92, such as by cables 94. Itshould be understood that the sled head 98 can include furthercomponents, such as a power distribution system, a signal interface orinterfaces, and cooling equipment, for example.

FIG. 3 shows detail of the mass storage sled 90. In this example, thesled tray 99 has received a full complement of sealed storage canisters100. The sled head 98 in this example comprises a sled interface 96combined with a sled power supply module 97.

The sled interface 96 includes the sled external connector 92. The sledexternal connector 92 is coupled to multiple interface units 95, with aninterface unit 95 included for each potential sealed storage canister.The multiple interface units 95 in some examples combine and separateelectrical signals for individual storage canisters 100, wherein allelectrical signals pass through the sled external connector 92 andwherein each sealed storage canister 100 receives only the appropriateelectrical signals.

The sled power supply module 97 provides electrical power to themultiple sealed storage canisters 100. The sled power supply module 97can provide power conditioning and/or power regulation for each sealedstorage canister 100. In addition, in some examples, the sled powersupply module 97 include s one or more fans or other cooling systems tocool the multiple sealed storage canisters 100. The sled power supplymodule 97 can sealingly fit to the sled tray 99 in some examples inorder to complete the sealed enclosure 110.

FIG. 4 shows the sealed storage canister 100 in another example. In thisexample, the canister shell comprises the enclosure 110, an enclosurelid 113 configured to fit to a top opening of the enclosure 110, and abottom panel 112 configured to fit to a bottom opening of the enclosure110. The enclosure lid 113 includes a vent hole 114 in some examples.The mounting element 130 is mounted to and supported by the bottom panel112. The mounting element 130 includes multiple HDD connectors 138 forreceiving corresponding connectors of the multiple unsealed HDDs 120. AHDD connector 138 can snap, lock, press fit, friction fit, employmagnetic force, or employ any other suitable engagement features inorder to hold the HDD 120 in place on the mounting element 130.

The combination of the enclosure 110, the enclosure lid 113, and thebottom panel 112 forms a sealed enclosure in some examples. Theenclosure 110, the enclosure lid 113, and the bottom panel 112 can besealingly joined, such as by welding, laser welding, soldering, brazing,adhesives, seals, or using other suitable sealing methods or sealingcomponents. In addition, the vent hole 114 can be sealed after apredetermined gas or gas mixture has been provided inside the enclosure,at a desired pressure. The vent hole 114 can be sealed by a plug, patch,sealant, or other suitable sealing methods or sealing components.Alternatively, the enclosure structure can be sealed after assembly,such as by application of a film, paint, coating, shrink wrap, or othersealing material applied to the outside of the assembled enclosure.Alternatively, in yet another example, the enclosure lid 113 and theenclosure 110 comprise a single component.

Each unsealed HDD 120 in this example includes a contact layer 128formed on portions of one or more sides of the unsealed HDDs 120. Thecontact layer 128 is configured to contact one or more correspondinginner surfaces of the sealed enclosure 110. In some examples, thecontact layer 128 comprises an elastic layer configured to be at leastpartially compressed against the one or more inner surfaces of thesealed enclosure 110. The contact layer 128 cushions the unsealed HDDs120 and absorbs shocks or vibrations. In other examples, the contactlayer 128 comprises a thermally-conductive layer configured to conductheat from the multiple unsealed HDDs 120 to the sealed enclosure 110. Inyet other examples, the contact layer 128 is both elastic andthermally-conductive.

The assembly of the enclosure 110, the enclosure lid 113, and the bottompanel 112 may require a nominal compression force. As a result, theunsealed HDDs 120 will not remain loose or able to move inside thesealed enclosure 110 when the enclosure lid 113 and the bottom panel 112are fully assembled to the enclosure 110.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary storage canister 200 in another example. Thestorage canister 200 includes an enclosure 210, multiple Hard DiskDrives (HDDs) 220 located inside the enclosure 210, multiple mountingelements 230 receiving the multiple HDDs 220, an external connector 260electrically coupled to the multiple mounting elements 230 by cabling ora feed-through 255, multiple compressible support spacers 233 coupled tothe multiple mounting elements 230, and flexible connector elements 243extending between adjacent mounting elements 230.

The multiple HDDs 220 comprise digital storage devices, as previouslydiscussed. The multiple HDDs 220 in this example comprise sealed orunsealed HDDs. In some examples, the multiple HDDs 220 comprise one ormore disk storage media. In other examples, the multiple HDDs 220comprise solid-state storage devices or comprise hybrid storage devicesincluding one or more disk media and one or more solid-state storagecomponents. However, the storage devices 120 or 220 will be referred toherein as unsealed HDDs 120 or HDDs 220 for simplicity. The unsealedHDDs 120 and HDDs 220 comprise non-volatile storage devices.

The enclosure 210 in some examples comprises a non-sealed ornon-airtight enclosure. Alternatively, in other examples the enclosure210 comprises a substantially airtight or substantially gas tightenclosure, as previously discussed.

The mounting elements 230 comprise substantially planar elements thatare rigid or at least partially rigid. The multiple mounting elements230 absorb vibrations generated by each corresponding HDD 220.

The multiple mounting elements 230 each include a HDD connector 238 forreceiving the multiple HDDs 220 (see FIGS. 4 and 6, for example). TheHDD connectors 238 mechanically and electrically couple the multipleHDDs 220 to the multiple mounting elements 230 and hold the multipleHDDs 220 in position. The HDD connectors 238 provide electrical power tothe multiple HDDs 220. The HDD connectors 238 exchange electricalsignals with the multiple HDDs 220. The electrical signals can includedigital data that is being written to and read from one or more HDDs ofthe multiple HDDs 220.

The multiple compressible support spacers 233 in this example areaffixed to an inner surface or surfaces of the enclosure 210, such as abottom panel 212. Each mounting element 230 includes a correspondingcompressible support spacer 233. The multiple compressible supportspacers 233 are interposed between the multiple mounting elements 230and an inner surface or surfaces of the enclosure 210. The multiplecompressible support spacers 233 absorb shocks and vibrations of theindividual HDDs 220.

A compressible support spacer 233 can be formed in a shape suitable forabsorbing shocks or vibrations in one or more axes of motion. Acompressible support spacer 233 in some examples has a bellows oraccordion-like shape to allow vertical compression and expansion (seeFIGS. 6 and 7). In other examples, a compressible support spacer 233 hasa toroidal or doughnut-like shape, allowing some horizontal movement ofthe mounting element 230, in addition to vertical compression andexpansion (see FIGS. 9-12 and 14). However, it should be understood thata compressible support spacer 233 can be formed in other suitableshapes, and the examples given herein are for illustration only and arenot limiting.

The multiple mounting elements 230 and the multiple compressible supportspacers 233 absorb shocks and vibrations generated by the individualHDDs 220. The multiple mounting elements 230 and multiple compressiblesupport spacers 233 do not transfer shocks or vibrations from anindividual HDD 220 to the storage canister 200. The multiple mountingelements 230 and the multiple compressible support spacers 233 do nottransfer shocks or vibrations to an HDD 220 from sources outside the HDD220, such as from other HDDs or from the storage canister 200, forexample.

Flexible connector elements 243 extend between adjacent mountingelements 230. Each flexible connector element 243 is flexible or atleast partially flexible, such as a flexible cable, flexible circuitboard, or other suitable connector element. The flexible connectorelements 243 include a plurality of flexible conductors for conductingelectrical power and electrical signals between the adjacent mountingelements 230. Consequently, due to the chaining of the mounting elements230, electrical power is provided from the external connector 260 toeach HDD of the multiple HDDs 220. Further, electrical signals areexchanged between the external connector 260 and each HDD of themultiple HDDs 220. The flexible connector elements 243 ensure that anyvibrations or movements in a particular HDD are not transmitted to otherHDDs or other components of the storage canister 200. Further, theflexible connector elements 243 can include slack material, wherein theflexible connector elements 243 do not have tension forces acting onthem and therefore do not transfer impacts or vibrations between themounting elements 230.

The external connector 260 is accessible at the exterior of theenclosure 210. The external connector 260 in some examples does notallow air or gas to enter the enclosure 210 or escape from the enclosure210, while in other examples the enclosure 210 is not substantially airor gas tight. The external connector 260 receives electrical power froman external power source and provides electrical power to multiplemounting elements 230, and therefore to the multiple HDDs 220. Theexternal connector 260 exchanges electrical signals with one or moreexternal devices or components and exchanges electrical signals with themultiple mounting elements 230, and therefore with the multiple HDDs220.

FIG. 6 shows detail of the multiple mounting elements 230 of FIG. 5. Abottom panel 212 is located below and supports the multiple mountingelements 230. The bottom panel 212 is mounted to and completes theenclosure 210 (see FIGS. 4, 9, and 13, for example). Each mountingelement 230 includes a plurality of compressible support spacers 233, acorresponding plurality of spacer retainers 234, an HDD connector 238,and two or more bumpers 236.

The plurality of compressible support spacers 233 are positioned betweenthe bottom panel 212 and the mounting element 230, wherein the mountingelement 230 rests on the tops of the plurality of compressible supportspacers 233. However, it should be understood that the mounting element230 is free to move vertically, and can move upwards and downwards withrespect to the plurality of compressible support spacers 233.

The plurality of spacer retainers 234 extend through the mountingelement 230 to retain the plurality of compressible support spacers 233in position. The plurality of spacer retainers 234 in some examples arepermanently or removably affixed to the bottom panel 212. In contrast,the plurality of spacer retainers 234 are not directly affixed to themounting element 230, wherein the mounting element 230 can movevertically, in a limited fashion, with respect to the bottom panel 212.In some examples, the plurality of spacer retainers 234 can have aflange or head that allows the mounting element 230 to move upward by apredetermined amount, but cannot move off of the plurality of spacerretainers 234.

A HDD 220 has been inserted down onto a mounting element 230, wherein acorresponding connector portion of the HDD 220 engages the HDD connector238 of the mounting element 230. The HDD 220 is supported in position bythe two or more bumpers 236 affixed to, and projecting up from, themounting element 230. The HDD connector 238 provides electrical power tothe HDD 220 when the HDD 220 is fully installed to the mounting element230. The HDD connector 238 exchanges electrical signals with the HDD220. In some examples, the HDD connector 238 includes latches, couplerportions, or other attachment features that hold the HDD 220 to themounting element 230. A HDD connector 238 can snap, lock, press fit,friction fit, employ magnetic force, or employ any other suitableengagement features in order to hold the HDD 220 in place on themounting element 230.

Each mounting element 230 is supported on the bottom panel 212 by theplurality of compressible support spacers 233. The plurality ofcompressible support spacers 233 are formed of an at least partiallycompressible or deformable material, such as rubber or rubber-basedcompounds, for example. The plurality of compressible support spacers233 absorb shocks, such as shocks imparted to the mounting element 230during installation or servicing of the HDD 220. Further, the pluralityof compressible support spacers 233 absorb vibrations generated by theHDD 220. As a result, HDD shocks or vibrations are not transmitted intothe bottom panel 212 (or to other HDDs). The plurality of compressiblesupport spacers 233 absorb vibrations, such as vibrations generated bythe HDD 220. In addition, the plurality of compressible support spacers233 absorb the shocks or vibrations that may be present in the bottompanel 212. As a result, such support pan shocks and vibrations are nottransmitted into the multiple HDDs 220.

Each mounting element 230 includes one or two chaining connectors 240for chaining together the multiple mounting elements 230. A flexibleconnector element 243 extends between two adjacent chaining connectors240 of two adjacent mounting elements 230. The flexible connectorelement 243 includes a plurality of conductors for conducting electricalpower and electrical signals between the two adjacent mounting elements230. Consequently, due to the chaining of the mounting elements 230,electrical power is provided from the external connector 260 to each HDDof the multiple HDDs 220. Further, electrical signals are exchangedbetween the external connector 260 and each HDD of the multiple HDDs220.

Each HDD 220 in this example includes a contact layer 228 formed onportions of one or more sides of the HDDs 220. The contact layer 228 isconfigured to contact one or more corresponding inner surfaces of theenclosure 210. In some examples, the contact layer 228 comprises anelastic layer configured to be at least partially compressed against theone or more inner surfaces of the enclosure 210. The contact layer 228cushions the HDDs 220 and absorbs shocks or vibrations. In otherexamples, the contact layer 228 comprises a thermally-conductive layerconfigured to conduct heat from the multiple HDDs 220 to the enclosure210. In yet other examples, the contact layer 228 is both elastic andthermally-conductive.

FIG. 7 shows a first mounting element 230 _(A) coupled to the externalconnector 260. The figure shows the bottom panel 212 located under themultiple HDDs 220 and multiple mounting elements 230. The bottom panel212 is affixed to the enclosure 210. The first mounting element 230 _(A)is supported on the bottom panel 212 by the plurality of plurality ofcompressible support spacers 233, as previously discussed.

A connector board 250 is affixed to the bottom panel 212. The externalconnector 260 is affixed to the connector board 250. At least twospacers 253 are positioned between the connector board 250 and thebottom panel 212. The at least two spacers 253 are held in position byat least two corresponding spacer retainers 254. In addition, the atleast two spacer retainers 254 permanently or removably affix theconnector board 250 to the bottom panel 212. Alternatively, the at leasttwo spacers 253 comprise a single annular spacer 253 positioned betweenthe bottom panel 212 and the connector boards 250. A feed-through 255 islocated in the bottom panel 212 of the enclosure 210. The feed-through255 is electrically coupled to the connector board 250. The feed-through255 conducts electrical power and electrical signals through theenclosure 210, while not allowing air or gas to pass into or out of theenclosure 210. The feed-through 255 includes a plurality of conductors254 that pass through a feed-through body 252. Where the enclosure 210comprises a sealed enclosure, the feed-through body 252 seals around theplurality of conductors 254 and sealingly engages and is affixed withinan aperture in the bottom panel 212.

The feed-through body 252 is formed of an electrically non-conductivematerial. The feed-through body 252 in some examples is formed of glass,plastic, ceramic, potting material, or any other suitable non-conductivematerial. Alternatively, or in addition, the feed-through 255 cantransfer electrical signals through the enclosure 210 using induction,electromagnetic waves, optical devices, or any other suitable signaltransmission method or device.

The feed-through 255 can be used in a non-sealed (or not fully sealed)enclosure 210, as shown. Alternatively, or in addition, the feed-through255 can be incorporated into the sealed enclosure 110.

FIG. 8 shows a mounting element 230 receiving a HDD 220. An HDDconnector 238 is affixed to the mounting element 230 and is configuredto couple to a corresponding connector portion of the HDD 220. Conductorelements of the HDD connector 238 are coupled to traces or otherconductor elements of the mounting element 230. The HDD connector 238can include insertion features that force a predetermined orientation ofthe HDD 220 and can include one or more retaining features that engage aHDD 220 when inserted.

The mounting element 230 in the example includes one or more bumpers 236affixed to an upper side of the mounting element 230 and projectingupwards from the mounting element 230. The one or more bumpers 236 insome examples are formed of an at least partially elastomeric material.Alternatively, in other examples the one or more bumpers 236 are formedof a partially elastomeric or substantially non-elastomeric material.The one or more bumpers 236 can be formed on the mounting element 230,or can be permanently or removably affixed to the mounting element 230.An inserted HDD 220 can rest on the one or more bumpers 236 or can limitand absorb downward movement of the HDD 220. Further, the one or morebumpers 236 absorb shocks and vibrations. Consequently, shocks andvibrations are not transferred between the mounting element 230 and theHDD 220.

The mounting element 230 in the example includes one or morecompressible support spacers 233 affixed to a lower side of the mountingelement 230. The compressible support spacers 233 in the example areaffixed to the mounting element 230 by one or more corresponding spacerretainers 234. The spacer retainers 234 pass through the mountingelement 230 and retain the compressible support spacers 233 to themounting element 230. The spacer retainers 234 include heads that allowthe mounting element 230 to move downward with respect to the spacerretainers 234, such as due to a shock or vibration, but limit the upwardtravel of the mounting element 230. Alternatively, in some examples thespacer retainers 234 limit the motion of the mounting elements 230 inboth directions, up and down, allowing only a limited amount of verticalmovement of the mounting element 230. However, given the design of thecompressible support spacers 233, the added constraint is substantiallysoft.

A flexible connector element 243 is shown coupled to the mountingelement 230. The flexible connector element 243 can be directly affixedto traces, pads, or other conductors of the mounting element 230, suchas by soldering. Alternatively, in other examples the flexible connectorelement 243 can be received in a chaining connector 240 that is affixedto the mounting element 230 and that is electrically coupled to traces,pads, or conductor elements of the mounting element 230. The flexibleconnector element 243 therefore can provide electrical power to andexchange electrical signals with the HDD 220. Further, the mountingelement 230 can be chained to other such mounting elements, wherein theflexible connector element 243 provides electrical power and electricalsignals to more than just one mounting element.

FIG. 9 shows a partially-assembled storage canister 200. In thisexample, three mounting elements 230 have been positioned on the bottompanel 212. The mounting elements 230 rest on compressible supportspacers 233. Three HDDs 220 are installed on the three mounting elements230. The flexible connector elements 243 (not shown in this figure) cancouple the mounting elements 230 in a chain. It can be seen that eachmounting element 230 is independent and is independently cushioned fromshocks and vibration. The enclosure 210 can then be fitted to the bottompanel 212. The assembled enclosure 210 and bottom panel 212 can bepermanently or removably affixed to each other. The enclosure 210 can besealingly affixed to the bottom panel 212 in some examples to create thesealed storage canister 200, such as by welding, laser welding,soldering, brazing, adhesives, seals, or using other suitable sealingmethods or sealing components. Alternatively, as previously discussed,the enclosure structure can be sealed after assembly, such as byapplication of a film, paint, coating, shrink wrap, or other sealingmaterial applied to the outside of the assembled enclosure.

The assembly of the enclosure 210 and the bottom panel 212 may require anominal compression force. As a result, the HDDs 220 will not remainloose or able to move inside the enclosure 210 when the bottom panel 212is fully assembled to the enclosure 210.

FIG. 10 shows a HDD 220 installed on its side on the mounting element230. The HDD 220 in this example includes a connector component in itsside that couples to the HDD connector 238 of the mounting element 230.As a result, the HDD 220 stands vertically up from the mounting element230. This is the same HDD orientation shown in FIG. 9. The mountingelement 230 in this example further includes a plurality of bumpers orcontact surfaces 236 that support the HDD 220. It should be understoodthat the HDD in this example can comprise an unsealed HDD 120 or a HDD220.

FIG. 11 shows a HDD 220 having an end connector, but where the HDD 220is installed flat on the mounting element 230. The mounting element 230in this example includes a HDD connector 238 that projects up from themounting element 230 to engage the end connector of the HDD 220. This isthe HDD orientation shown in FIG. 4. The mounting element 230 in thisexample further includes a plurality of bumpers or contact surfaces 236that support the HDD 220. It should be understood that the HDD in thisexample can comprise an unsealed HDD 120 or a HDD 220.

FIG. 12 shows a HDD 220 installed flat on the mounting element 230,where the HDD 220 extends out off the side of the mounting element 230.The figure shows a HDD orientation similar to the HDD orientation inFIG. 11. However, in this example, the HDD 220 extends beyond themounting element 230, with the HDD 220 being flat on the mountingelement 230, but with the length or main axis of the HDD 220 beingtraverse to the length or main axis of the mounting element 230. Themounting element 230 in this example further includes a plurality ofbumpers or contact surfaces 236 that support the HDD 220. It should beunderstood that the HDD in this example can comprise an unsealed HDD 120or a HDD 220.

FIG. 13 shows the sealed storage canister 100 in another example. Inthis example, the unsealed HDDs 120 are oriented to lie flat on thebottom panel 112 and a formed, hollow enclosure 110 fits down over theunsealed HDDs 120. The enclosure 110 is affixed to the bottom panel 112.The enclosure 110 can be sealingly affixed to the bottom panel 112 insome examples to create the sealed storage canister 100, as previouslydiscussed. Alternatively, as previously discussed, the enclosurestructure can be sealed after assembly, such as by application of afilm, paint, coating, shrink wrap, or other sealing material applied tothe outside of the assembled enclosure. This is the HDD orientationshown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In yet another alternative example, electricalconnections to the HDDs 120 comprise multiple individual cables or oneor more fan-out cables, connecting the HDDs 120 to the externalconnector 160 or 260. This alternative configuration eliminates themounting element(s) 230 and uses the pads 128 to hold the HDDs 120relative to the enclosure 110.

Each unsealed HDD 120 in this example includes a contact layer 128formed on portions of one or more sides of the unsealed HDDs 120. Thecontact layer 128 is configured to contact one or more correspondinginner surfaces of the sealed enclosure 110. In some examples, thecontact layer 128 comprises an elastic layer configured to be at leastpartially compressed against the one or more inner surfaces of thesealed enclosure 110. The contact layer 128 cushions the unsealed HDDs120 and absorbs shocks or vibrations. In other examples, the contactlayer 128 comprises a thermally-conductive layer configured to conductheat from the multiple unsealed HDDs 120 to the sealed enclosure 110. Inyet other examples, the contact layer 128 is both elastic andthermally-conductive.

The assembly of the enclosure 110, the enclosure lid 113, and the bottompanel 112 may require a nominal compression force. As a result, theunsealed HDDs 120 will not remain loose or able to move inside thesealed enclosure 110 when the enclosure lid 113 and the bottom panel 112are fully assembled to the enclosure 110.

FIG. 14 shows internal detail of the sealed storage canister 100 of FIG.13. Each unsealed HDD 120 rests in a flat orientation on at least onecompressible support spacer 233 and on a combination of a mountingelement 230 resting on one or more compressible support spacers 233. Oneor more bumpers or contact surfaces 236 on the mounting element 230support a portion of the unsealed HDD 120.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary sealed storage canister 300 in yet anotherexample. The sealed storage canister 300 in this example includes asealed enclosure 310 and multiple unsealed HDDs 320 located inside thesealed enclosure 310, with the sealed storage canister 300 comprising acombination of the examples given in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. The sealedstorage canister 300 includes a sealed enclosure 310, multiple unsealedHDDs 320, and multiple mounting elements 330 and suspension elements333, wherein each unsealed HDD 320 is received on an independent andindependently cushioned mounting element 330 and suspension element 333.The sealed storage canister 300 in this example includes multiplemounting elements 330 receiving the multiple unsealed HDDs 320, anexternal connector 360 electrically coupled to the multiple mountingelements 330 by a cable or feed-through 357, and multiple suspensionelements 333 coupled to the multiple mounting elements 330. The multiplemounting elements 330 are chained together by flexible connectorelements 343 extending between adjacent mounting elements 330. A firstmounting element 330A is coupled to the external connector 360 by thecabling 355. The external connector 360 is electrically coupled to allof the multiple mounting elements 330. Each mounting element 330 issupported by a corresponding suspension element 333.

The sealed enclosure 310 comprises a substantially airtight orsubstantially gas tight enclosure. A predetermined gas or gas mixture iscontained within the sealed enclosure 310. Corrosion resistance can beimproved by preventing moisture from entering the HDD. Sealing helium(or other small-molecule gas) inside a HDD reduces air resistance,reduces air turbulence and therefore reduces flow-induced vibration ofinternal components, and as a result reduces power consumption of adrive motor that rotates the disk or disks of the HDD.

The multiple mounting elements 330 and the multiple suspension elements333 absorb shocks and vibrations generated by the individual HDDs 320.The multiple mounting elements 330 and the multiple suspension elements333 do not transfer shocks or vibrations to an HDD 320 from sourcesoutside the HDD 320. The flexible connector elements 343 ensure that anyvibrations or movements in a particular HDD are not transmitted to otherHDDs or other components of the storage canister 300.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to the preferred implementations, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the disclosed invention is to be considered merely asillustrative and limited in scope only as specified in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage canister, comprising: an enclosurehaving an inner surface; multiple Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) located withinthe enclosure; a plurality of mounting elements configured to receivethe multiple HDDs, wherein each mounting element of the plurality ofmounting elements comprises an HDD connector electrically coupled to arespective HDD; a plurality of suspension elements coupled to theplurality of mounting elements, wherein each suspension element of theplurality of suspension elements is configured to suspend a respectivemounting element of the plurality of mounting elements on the innersurface of the enclosure and to isolate vibrations in the respectivemounting element from vibrations in the enclosure; an external connectorconfigured to be externally accessible, wherein the external connectoris electrically coupled to the plurality of mounting elements; andflexible connector elements extending between and electrically coupledto adjacent mounting elements of the plurality of mounting elements,wherein the flexible connector elements enable electrical signals to beexchanged between the external connector and each HDD.
 2. The storagecanister of claim 1, wherein the flexible connector elements enableindependent movement of the adjacent mounting elements.
 3. The storagecanister of claim 1, wherein the flexible connector elements includeslack portions and wherein the flexible connector elements enableindependent movement of the adjacent mounting elements.
 4. The storagecanister of claim 1, wherein a first mounting element of the pluralityof mounting elements is electrically coupled to the external connectorby a feed-through installed in an aperture in the enclosure.
 5. Thestorage canister of claim 1, wherein a first mounting element of theplurality of mounting elements is electrically coupled to the externalconnector by a feed-through sealingly installed in an aperture in theenclosure.
 6. The storage canister of claim 1, wherein a HDD of themultiple HDDs comprises a digital storage device including one or moredisk storage media.
 7. The storage canister of claim 1, wherein a HDD ofthe multiple HDDs comprises a digital storage device including at leastone disk storage media and at least one solid-state storage device. 8.The storage canister of claim 1, wherein an HDD of the multiple HDDscomprises a sealed HDD or an unsealed HDD.
 9. The storage canister ofclaim 1, further comprising an elastic layer formed on portions of oneor more sides of the multiple HDDs, wherein the elastic layer isconfigured to contact and be at least partially compressed against oneor more inner surfaces of the enclosure.
 10. The storage canister ofclaim 1, further comprising a thermally-conductive layer formed onportions of one or more sides of the multiple HDDs, wherein thethermally-conductive layer is configured to contact and be at leastpartially compressed against one or more inner surfaces of the enclosureand is configured to conduct heat from the multiple HDDs to theenclosure.
 11. The storage canister of claim 1, wherein the storagecanister is configured to fit into a disk drive sled configured toreceive multiple storage canisters.
 12. The storage canister of claim 1,wherein the enclosure comprises a sealed enclosure configured to besubstantially airtight or substantially gas tight for retaining apredetermined gas or gas mixture and wherein the multiple HDDs comprisemultiple HDDs not substantially gas tight.
 13. The storage canister ofclaim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises a sealed enclosure configuredto be substantially airtight or substantially gas tight for retaining apredetermined gas or gas mixture, wherein the predetermined gas or gasmixture comprises dry air, nitrogen, or helium, and wherein the multipleHDDs comprise multiple HDDs not substantially hermetically sealed.
 14. Astorage sled adapted for use in a mass storage system, comprising: asled tray configured to receive a plurality of storage canisters; a sledhead coupled to the sled tray and configured to provide electrical powerand electrical signals to individual canisters of the plurality ofstorage canisters; and at least one storage canister installed in thesled tray and coupled to the sled head, wherein the at least one storagecanister comprises: an enclosure having an inner surface; a plurality ofHard Disk Drives (HDDs) located within the enclosure; a plurality ofmounting elements configured to receive the plurality of HDDs, whereineach mounting element of the plurality of mounting elements comprises anHDD connector electrically coupled to a respective HDD of the pluralityof HDDs; an external connector configured to be externally accessibleand to couple to a corresponding canister connector of the sled head,wherein the external connector is electrically coupled to the pluralityof mounting elements; a plurality of suspension elements suspending theplurality of mounting elements on the inner surface of the enclosure,wherein each suspension element of the plurality of suspension elementsis configured to support a corresponding HDD of the plurality of HDDsand configured to vibrationally isolate the corresponding HDD from theother HDDs located within the enclosure; and flexible connector elementsextending between and electrically coupled to adjacent mounting elementsof the plurality of mounting elements, wherein the flexible connectorelements enable electrical signals to be exchanged between the externalconnector and each HDD.
 15. The storage sled of claim 14, wherein theflexible connector elements enable independent movement of the adjacentmounting elements.
 16. The storage sled of claim 14, wherein theflexible connector elements include slack portions and wherein theflexible connector elements enable independent movement of the adjacentmounting elements.
 17. The storage sled of claim 14, wherein a firstmounting element of the plurality of mounting elements is electricallycoupled to the external connector by a feed-through installed in anaperture in the enclosure.
 18. The storage sled of claim 14, wherein afirst mounting element of the plurality of mounting elements iselectrically coupled to the external connector by a feed-throughsealingly installed in an aperture in the enclosure.
 19. The storagesled of claim 14, wherein the enclosure comprises a sealed enclosureconfigured to be substantially airtight or substantially gas tight forretaining a predetermined gas or gas mixture and wherein the pluralityof HDDs comprise multiple HDDs not substantially gas tight.